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It is an offering made unto the LORD

10/31/2017

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And that which is left of the meat offering shall be Aaron's and his sons': it is a thing most holy of the offerings of the LORD made by fire. No meat offering, which ye shall bring unto the LORD, shall be made with leaven: for ye shall burn no leaven, nor any honey, in any offering of the LORD made by fire. As for the oblation of the firstfruits, ye shall offer them unto the LORD: but they shall not be burnt on the altar for a sweet savour. And every oblation of thy meat offering shalt thou season with salt; neither shalt thou suffer the salt of the covenant of thy God to be lacking from thy meat offering: with all thine offerings thou shalt offer salt. (Lev. 2:10-13)
      God had decreed that the priests and Levites were to be sustained by their portion of the offerings which were brought unto God. God determined the portion which was His and that which belonged to the workers in service to God and the temple. Certain offerings were not to be burned, either because burning them would not produce a sweet savour or because they were to be given wholly to the priests to sustain them in the work of the Lord. Every offering was to be without leaven or honey, as they are depictions of decay, death, and sin in the Scriptures. All offerings were to be salted and offered with salt.
 
     God desires that His servants are well taken care of, not a life of luxury or ease, but neither should they be taken advantage of in the work of the Lord. God’s workers are not to exact more than their share nor are they to abuse their position but they are worthy of their hire. All that is offered to God is to be without sin, without decay, and without spiritual leaven, but holy and pure before Him who is worthy of all our gifts. We are to be worthy of our salt, working and earning our salary as unto the Lord and being the salt and light He has called us to be in this world, preserving, healing, and pointing people to the ultimate healer and preserver who can save them from their sins.
 
     As living sacrifices we offer ourselves to God for His work and to do His will. We live the Gospel we preach, not in abject poverty nor in opulent wealth, for neither glorifies God who provides and sustains His servants and people. We are to live a life of holiness unto the Lord, not continuing in sin or doing as we please but serving God, striving to live His righteousness through His Spirit within us and being salt and light in this dark and broken world.
 
     God sends us out into this world to reach the lost and desires that His people strive to be holy and obedient unto Him that we might minister to those around us who are hurting and in need as He provides. We serve others, equipped with the Word of reconciliation and righteousness, rightly divided and fitly spoken, that they may see Christ in us, the hope of Glory. Our GOD has commanded us to love one another with an unfeigned love, even as He first loved us, and to disciple one another in the Word of GOD so that we may all grow in grace and in the Knowledge of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Our Lord has commissioned those who are His with the Gospel of Jesus Christ, to go where He sends us in the power of the Holy Spirit. As we go, we are to proclaim the Good News of forgiveness through repentance and reconciliation with the Father through faith in His Son, that those who believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah of GOD might have life in His Name.
 
       GOD is not willing that any should perish, but that all would come to repentance and the knowledge of the Truth. Jesus loves you and wants to establish a covenant relationship with you that is real and personal. Surrender to Him on His terms and He will give you a brand new life of discipleship and fellowship with Him that is abundant and everlasting. GOD calls you to faith in Christ and His finished and perfect work on the Cross of Calvary to pay your sIn debt. He has provided the only way of reconciliation with GOD, forgiveness from GOD, and Salvation through Jesus Christ, the Son of GOD who is GOD the Son, to give you a new life in Christ. Turn away from yourself and your sIn and turn to Him alone for eternal Life, now and always.


In Christ,
Jefferson Sweet
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A sweet savour unto the LORD

10/30/2017

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And the LORD called unto Moses, and spake unto him out of the tabernacle of the congregation, saying, Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, If any man of you bring an offering unto the LORD, ye shall bring your offering of the cattle, even of the herd, and of the flock. If his offering be a burnt sacrifice of the herd, let him offer a male without blemish: he shall offer it of his own voluntary will at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation before the LORD. And he shall put his hand upon the head of the burnt offering; and it shall be accepted for him to make atonement for him. (Lev. 1:1-4)
     As we continue our journey through the Scriptures, we turn once more back to the Old Testament, and begin a walk through the Law and early history of the Israelites as they journeyed through the wilderness before entering Canaan in the days of Moses.
 
      God told the Israelites to bring only the best, males of the flock for offerings which were without blemish. It was to be voluntary, offered unto God of their own will. It was to be brought in faith as an atonement or covering for their sins in anticipation of the Messiah which was to come. The offering was to be sacrificed and offered unto God not to curry His favor or appease His wrath except only temporary, but believing that He alone would forgive those who repented of those sins, known and unknown, and reconcile sinners unto Himself. The offerings were to be handled and offered, not ritualistic but in a very precise manner to point people to the ultimate sin offering, Jesus Christ, the Messiah of God, who offered Himself as the final sacrifice for all sin.
 
     God is holy and demands that whatever is offered unto Him to be holy, perfect, without spot or blemish and worthy. Offering the leftovers or the undesirable unto God is not only disobedient but sacrilegious as it strikes at the very heart of who Jesus is, the Lamb of God slain from the foundation of the world. He is holy and His offering of Himself for sin was holy, of His own volition, freely He offered Himself in our place that we might be reconciled unto God. God wanted His people to understand the picture He was painting them of Himself within the Law, which couldn’t save them. Only their faith in Him and His sacrificial offering could save, demonstrated by their own voluntary offering of the best and perfect sacrifice to God.
 
     God wants us to be our best, not because of our works, which don’t save, but because of Him and His presence within us that we might glorify Him alone. God wants all to be saved, not by works, or religion, or the Law, or any other thing we might try to offer in His place but by His grace. He has already offered the only thing which can save, Himself in our place. He calls all people everywhere to repent, to turn from their sin and unto Him who alone can save them. He draws all men to Himself that they might be saved through faith by grace. He has revealed Himself in the Law, in His Word, and in His creation, that all might know Him and know their need of Him who alone can save through Jesus Christ and faith in His finished and perfect sacrifice on the Cross of Calvary.
 
     God sends us out into this world to reach the lost and desires that His people strive to be holy and obedient unto Him that we might minister to those around us who are hurting and in need as He provides. We serve others, equipped with the Word of reconciliation and righteousness, rightly divided and fitly spoken, that they may see Christ in us, the hope of Glory. Our GOD has commanded us to love one another with an unfeigned love, even as He first loved us, and to disciple one another in the Word of GOD so that we may all grow in grace and in the Knowledge of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Our Lord has commissioned those who are His with the Gospel of Jesus Christ, to go where He sends us in the power of the Holy Spirit. As we go, we are to proclaim the Good News of forgiveness through repentance and reconciliation with the Father through faith in His Son, that those who believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah of GOD might have life in His Name.
 
       GOD is not willing that any should perish, but that all would come to repentance and the knowledge of the Truth. Jesus loves you and wants to establish a covenant relationship with you that is real and personal. Surrender to Him on His terms and He will give you a brand new life of discipleship and fellowship with Him that is abundant and everlasting. GOD calls you to faith in Christ and His finished and perfect work on the Cross of Calvary to pay your sIn debt. He has provided the only way of reconciliation with GOD, forgiveness from GOD, and Salvation through Jesus Christ, the Son of GOD who is GOD the Son, to give you a new life in Christ. Turn away from yourself and your sIn and turn to Him alone for eternal Life, now and always.


In Christ,
Jefferson Sweet
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Be it known therefore unto you

10/27/2017

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And when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him into his lodging; to whom he expounded and testified the Kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the Law of Moses, and out of the prophets, from morning till evening. And some believed the things which were spoken, and some believed not. And when they agreed not among themselves, they departed, after that Paul had spoken one word, Well spake the Holy Ghost by Esaias the prophet unto our fathers, Saying, Go unto this people, and say, Hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and not perceive: (Acts 28:23-26)
      When Paul arrived in Rome he immediately conferred with the Jews in Rome concerning the accusations against him, of which they had no knowledge. Giving him a chance to speak in defense of the charges, Paul exposited the Gospel and the message of the Kingdom from the Scriptures to those in attendance. Some Jews believed, but many did not, fulfilling the words of the prophet concerning the spiritual dullness of understanding among the Jews. Paul, though he maintained his burden for his people, understood how the Gospel would be spread among the Gentiles and God’s Church would grow throughout the Roman world and beyond.
 
     Paul offered his only defense, even though the Jews in Rome knew nothing of what had transpired in Jerusalem and Caesarea. The Jewish authorities in Jerusalem were just glad to be rid of Paul and the Roman authorities were simply following Roman law. Paul’s arrival in Rome meant little to the Jews there and they were only somewhat familiar with the message of Christ. Paul preached unto them the way of Christianity and the Kingdom of God that they might be saved, from sin, from themselves, and from the bondage of their tradition which had upended the grace which God offers to all who will hear. The Gospel of grace by faith is given to all, to the Jew first but also to the Greek. The Jewish people rejected their Messiah and the grace of God and would not hear God’s Word of repentance and salvation through faith in Christ and His finished and perfect work on the Cross of Calvary.
 
     Whenever we are afforded an opportunity we should proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ. God wants all to be saved, and to be saved from sin and received the forgiveness of God which Christ has purchased, God has provided grace to those who will receive it. God calls all to repent of their sin which has separated them from God and be born again in order to have a relationship with Him. Though not all will hear or understand the Word of God we are told to go unto all nations and preach the Word, to take God’s message of grace and love to all people. We are to share with our neighbors, our friends, our family, and our co-workers, that they might be saved and delivered from sin and enter into the life which Christ has purchased and offers to all who will receive it.
 
     God sends us to this world to reach the lost and He calls His people to holiness and obedience to Him that we might minister to those around us who are hurting and in need as He provides. We serve others, equipped with the Word of reconciliation and righteousness, rightly divided and fitly spoken, that they may see Christ in us, the hope of Glory. Our GOD has commanded us to love one another with an unfeigned love, even as He first loved us, and to disciple one another in the Word of GOD so that we may all grow in grace and in the Knowledge of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Our Lord has commissioned those who are His with the Gospel of Jesus Christ, to go where He sends us in the power of the Holy Spirit. As we go, we are to proclaim the Good News of forgiveness through repentance and reconciliation with the Father through faith in His Son, that those who believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah of GOD might have life in His Name.
 
       GOD is not willing that any should perish, but that all would come to repentance and the knowledge of the Truth. Jesus loves you and wants to establish a covenant relationship with you that is real and personal. Surrender to Him on His terms and He will give you a brand new life of discipleship and fellowship with Him that is abundant and everlasting. GOD calls you to faith in Christ and His finished and perfect work on the Cross of Calvary to pay your sIn debt. He has provided the only way of reconciliation with GOD, forgiveness from GOD, and Salvation through Jesus Christ, the Son of GOD who is GOD the Son, to give you a new life in Christ. Turn away from yourself and your sIn and turn to Him alone for eternal Life, now and always.


In Christ,
Jefferson Sweet

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And so it came to pass

10/26/2017

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But after long abstinence Paul stood forth in the midst of them, and said, Sirs, ye should have hearkened unto me, and not have loosed from Crete, and to have gained this harm and loss. And now I exhort you to be of good cheer: for there shall be no loss of any man's life among you, but of the ship. For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve, Saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee. Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me. (Acts 27:21-25)
      Paul had warned the crew not to sail from Crete for the storms but now that they were in one, Paul encouraged all that they would be safe despite the horrible weather which they were experiencing. Not one soldier, sailor, or prisoner would be lost, though the ship would not survive the storm. God had promised not only Paul’s life but all that were with him. Paul’s faith in the God of creation who has power over the storm was such that he knew it would be as the angel said. Though they were going through a terrible storm which could have been avoided they would all be safe as God promised.
 
     Though staying at Fair Havens would have been better than risking the storms, once in them they had to trust that God would watch over them. Paul voiced his opinion but could not control the choices others make, especially those who do not know God nor believe in His Son. He then, especially as a prisoner of Rome simply sailed on the ship as directed. He knew that God was in control, but could not stop them sailing the ship. When faced with a dangerous and life-threatening storm, his courage and comfort despite the winds encourage the rest to trust Paul if not Paul’s God. Paul’s testimony was believed because they had seen and knew of Paul’s character. Paul had further opportunity to witness for God even in the circumstances of his transport as a prisoner.
 
     We may not be able to persuade others to Christ or to do that which is necessary or proper, especially those who are lost and do not follow the ways of God. We can only respond to what is going on around us as Christ would have us act, in love, with a gentle spirit even when rebuking others, and in meekness and fear when giving and answer of the hope that is in us. The quiet strength which we have because of Christ should be evident even in the storms of this life and the fear of the Lord should be demonstrated in our obedience to Him and our respect of others. Though we must preach the Word of God for others to be saved from their sins through repentance and faith in Him and His finished and perfect work on the Cross of Calvary if our actions are not also preaching Truth and grace they will not hear us.
 
     As we live the Gospel we preach, God calls His people to holiness and obedience to Him that we might minister to those around us who are hurting and in need as He provides. We serve others, equipped with the Word of reconciliation and righteousness, rightly divided and fitly spoken, that they may see Christ in us, the hope of Glory. Our GOD has commanded us to love one another with an unfeigned love, even as He first loved us, and to disciple one another in the Word of GOD so that we may all grow in grace and in the Knowledge of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Our Lord has commissioned those who are His with the Gospel of Jesus Christ, to go where He sends us in the power of the Holy Spirit. As we go, we are to proclaim the Good News of forgiveness through repentance and reconciliation with the Father through faith in His Son, that those who believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah of GOD might have life in His Name.
 
       GOD is not willing that any should perish, but that all would come to repentance and the knowledge of the Truth. Jesus loves you and wants to establish a covenant relationship with you that is real and personal. Surrender to Him on His terms and He will give you a brand new life of discipleship and fellowship with Him that is abundant and everlasting. GOD calls you to faith in Christ and His finished and perfect work on the Cross of Calvary to pay your sIn debt. He has provided the only way of reconciliation with GOD, forgiveness from GOD, and Salvation through Jesus Christ, the Son of GOD who is GOD the Son, to give you a new life in Christ. Turn away from yourself and your sIn and turn to Him alone for eternal Life, now and always.


In Christ,
Jefferson Sweet

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That all were altogether such as I am

10/25/2017

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But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance. For these causes the Jews caught me in the temple, and went about to kill me. Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come: That Christ should suffer, and that He should be the first that should rise from the dead, and should shew light unto the people, and to the Gentiles. (Acts 26:20-23)
      Paul repeated his testimony and salvation on the road to Damascus and how he has taken the Gospel to all people, wherever God had sent him. He stated the Gospel of repentance and faith in Christ to the court of Agrippa. Though Festus could not charge him with anything guilty of death, neither could they let him go as he had appealed to Caesar because of the Jews and their hatred of him and his message. Though nothing he did or said was contrary to their Law it did conflict with their power and position and the traditions which they had added to the Law in order to hold the people under their authority.
 
     Paul’s defense was the Gospel and God's call upon him to preach Christ and Him crucified and the court of Agrippa gave him another opportunity to speak to all that were present. Paul did not shy away from speaking not only the truth of his circumstances but also the Truth from Scripture that all might hear and believe. Knowing that many in that room were well acquainted with the Jewish religion and with Christianity, he spoke the more boldly, but speak he did and though many rejected his words of hope and peace, some were almost persuaded, but not unto eternal life. They knew of the things he spoke, even mocked him for his claims, but they did not receive the Word of life.
 
     Despite all we who are saved may do to preach the Gospel in every situation, some will not believe even if they are almost persuaded intellectually of the truth of our claims. There are those who outright reject the message of eternal life, may even be hostile, but the saddest of all, and the ones which take the most prayer and care when witnessing are those who are very knowledgeable about the facts but have never surrendered to God on His terms and put their faith in Him and His finished and perfect work on the Cross of Calvary. The ones who are still satisfied with the sin they are in and have not yet come to that place where they give up their fight with God and repent in order to be saved and forgiven. They may be almost persuaded in their minds but not yet dead to self in their hearts and not yet as those in Christ have become by the power of God.
 
     As we go trying to reach all who will hear the Gospel, God calls His people to holiness and obedience to Him that we might minister to those around us who are hurting and in need as He provides. We serve others, equipped with the Word of reconciliation and righteousness, rightly divided and fitly spoken, that they may see Christ in us, the hope of Glory. Our GOD has commanded us to love one another with an unfeigned love, even as He first loved us, and to disciple one another in the Word of GOD so that we may all grow in grace and in the Knowledge of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Our Lord has commissioned those who are His with the Gospel of Jesus Christ, to go where He sends us in the power of the Holy Spirit. As we go, we are to proclaim the Good News of forgiveness through repentance and reconciliation with the Father through faith in His Son, that those who believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah of GOD might have life in His Name.
 
       GOD is not willing that any should perish, but that all would come to repentance and the knowledge of the Truth. Jesus loves you and wants to establish a covenant relationship with you that is real and personal. Surrender to Him on His terms and He will give you a brand new life of discipleship and fellowship with Him that is abundant and everlasting. GOD calls you to faith in Christ and His finished and perfect work on the Cross of Calvary to pay your sIn debt. He has provided the only way of reconciliation with GOD, forgiveness from GOD, and Salvation through Jesus Christ, the Son of GOD who is GOD the Son, to give you a new life in Christ. Turn away from yourself and your sIn and turn to Him alone for eternal Life, now and always.


In Christ,
Jefferson Sweet

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Many and grievous complaints which they could not prove

10/24/2017

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While he answered for himself, Neither against the Law of the Jews, neither against the temple, nor yet against Caesar, have I offended any thing at all. But Festus, willing to do the Jews a pleasure, answered Paul, and said, Wilt thou go up to Jerusalem, and there be judged of these things before me? Then said Paul, I stand at Caesar's judgment seat, where I ought to be judged: to the Jews have I done no wrong, as thou very well knowest. For if I be an offender, or have committed any thing worthy of death, I refuse not to die: but if there be none of these things whereof these accuse me, no man may deliver me unto them. I appeal unto Caesar. (Acts 25:8-11)
      When Paul stood before Festus and responded to the accusations against him, he stated eloquently not only the charges from the Jews but also of matters of Roman law and his defense. Festus, though knowing he was not guilty and could have set him free, wondered if he would stand before Festus in Jerusalem. Having already been threatened there, and the trial moved because of the physical threat of violence against Paul, Paul had no choice but appeal to Caesar. He knew that God already had plans for him and he would arrive safely in Rome, but he would not tempt the Lord nor give the Jews further opportunity to accost him. He also knew that by Roman law he was not guilty and had no need of further trials, especially one with such a biased home court advantage as Jerusalem.
 
     Though Paul had no need to do so, for he could have simply stated no and demanded the trial, knowing Festus was seeking favor of the Jews, he appealed to a higher authority. Regardless of the outcome and trusting God as the highest authority, Paul could put his earthly condition in the hands of the Roman system. He already knew from God that he would get to Rome, and do so bound so this simply fit into God’s plan for Paul. Paul trusted God to not only vindicate him on this earth but also justify Him in the next from man’s laws and God’s laws. He was already forgiven of the latter and not guilty of the former and the Judge of the whole earth would do right by Paul.
 
     God’s people, when right and having broken none of man’s laws must trust God to work out the circumstances. We may appeal to the system when we know that we are not guilty and trust that God will work all things for good. No matter what we experience in this world, if it is not a consequence of our own lawlessness, for such things ought not to be, we can know that God is in control and He will bring us through all that has come our way. False accusations and the machinations of those of this world who oppose God will not stand in the end for our God is victorious and will accomplish in us and through us His plans for His people. While we are not to tempt God in response to the world and we should be prepared in this life, wise as serpents but harmless as doves, we can rest in Him for the outcome.
 
     As we go through this world as strangers and pilgrims, God calls His people to holiness and obedience to Him that we might minister to those around us who are hurting and in need as He provides. We serve others, equipped with the Word of reconciliation and righteousness, rightly divided and fitly spoken, that they may see Christ in us, the hope of Glory. Our GOD has commanded us to love one another with an unfeigned love, even as He first loved us, and to disciple one another in the Word of GOD so that we may all grow in grace and in the Knowledge of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Our Lord has commissioned those who are His with the Gospel of Jesus Christ, to go where He sends us in the power of the Holy Spirit. As we go, we are to proclaim the Good News of forgiveness through repentance and reconciliation with the Father through faith in His Son, that those who believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah of GOD might have life in His Name.
 
       GOD is not willing that any should perish, but that all would come to repentance and the knowledge of the Truth. Jesus loves you and wants to establish a covenant relationship with you that is real and personal. Surrender to Him on His terms and He will give you a brand new life of discipleship and fellowship with Him that is abundant and everlasting. GOD calls you to faith in Christ and His finished and perfect work on the Cross of Calvary to pay your sIn debt. He has provided the only way of reconciliation with GOD, forgiveness from GOD, and Salvation through Jesus Christ, the Son of GOD who is GOD the Son, to give you a new life in Christ. Turn away from yourself and your sIn and turn to Him alone for eternal Life, now and always.


In Christ,
Jefferson Sweet
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Having more perfect knowledge of that Way

10/23/2017

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  1. And after certain days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, which was a Jewess, he sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ. And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee. He hoped also that money should have been given him of Paul, that he might loose him: wherefore he sent for him the oftener, and communed with him. (Acts 24:24-26)
      When the council and their lawyer came before Felix and Paul stood trial in Caesarea for the riot in Jerusalem, having been saved from a plot to kill him by the Roman guard, Paul gave his defense and Felix understood he was not guilty. Felix wanting to receive a bribe for Paul’s release soon showed that despite his understanding of Jewish ways and Christianity loved his god of money more than receiving Christ. His convenient season never came and though he had trembled when his conscience was pricked, he was soon replaced when Nero sent Festus to Caesarea and his ploy to get a bribe was not realized nor did he garner any favor with the Jews. He talked with Paul often but never surrendered to God on His terms.
 
     It is sad when those who begin to understand, and have knowledge of such things, never repent and receive that which God offers. Their knowledge may even be perfect, understanding all the mysteries of the faith, but it is all in their head, having not surrendered their heart and putting their faith in that which they know intellectually. Only faith in Christ and His finished and perfect work on the Cross of Calvary can save. No matter how much one may know about the facts, until there is repentance of sin and trust in Jesus Christ alone for salvation, a person is not born again no matter what experience they may have had in the past. Only God through His grace saves us, not our works, our deeds, our church, or our words. Nothing we do or say can save for salvation is through the work of the Holy Spirit by the Word of God.
 
     God wants all to be saved and to come to know Him, not intellectually but with the honest heart of a disciple and child of God from His Word. God cannot receive us while we are still standing in our own merits but only when we surrender to Him on His terms and fully trust Him alone. We must die to self, daily and continuously, in repentance and faith in Him alone. His Word alone is our light as we walk with Him and grow in Him. Paul knew of God and then met God and was saved. Felix knew the ways of God but never met the living Lord Jesus and was not saved. Not because God did not want to save him, for God is not willing that any should perish, but because Felix never gave up that which he trusted in order to receive Christ.
 
     God calls His people to holiness and obedience to Him that we might minister to those around us who are hurting and in need as He provides. We serve others, equipped with the Word of reconciliation and righteousness, rightly divided and fitly spoken, that they may see Christ in us, the hope of Glory. Our GOD has commanded us to love one another with an unfeigned love, even as He first loved us, and to disciple one another in the Word of GOD so that we may all grow in grace and in the Knowledge of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Our Lord has commissioned those who are His with the Gospel of Jesus Christ, to go where He sends us in the power of the Holy Spirit. As we go, we are to proclaim the Good News of forgiveness through repentance and reconciliation with the Father through faith in His Son, that those who believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah of GOD might have life in His Name.
 
       GOD is not willing that any should perish, but that all would come to repentance and the knowledge of the Truth. Jesus loves you and wants to establish a covenant relationship with you that is real and personal. Surrender to Him on His terms and He will give you a brand new life of discipleship and fellowship with Him that is abundant and everlasting. GOD calls you to faith in Christ and His finished and perfect work on the Cross of Calvary to pay your sIn debt. He has provided the only way of reconciliation with GOD, forgiveness from GOD, and Salvation through Jesus Christ, the Son of GOD who is GOD the Son, to give you a new life in Christ. Turn away from yourself and your sIn and turn to Him alone for eternal Life, now and always.


In Christ,
Jefferson Sweet
 
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Thou hast testified of Me

10/20/2017

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But when Paul perceived that the one part were Sadducees, and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, Men and brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee: of the hope and resurrection of the dead I am called in question. And when he had so said, there arose a dissension between the Pharisees and the Sadducees: and the multitude was divided. For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, neither angel, nor spirit: but the Pharisees confess both. And there arose a great cry: and the scribes that were of the Pharisees' part arose, and strove, saying, We find no evil in this man: but if a spirit or an angel hath spoken to him, let us not fight against God. (Acts 23:6-9)
     After a confrontation with the High Priest who had Paul struck despite both Jewish and Roman law to the contrary, Paul perceived the division amongst the council. The Sadducees, who were the hirelings of Rome and political rather than religious appointees, denied the supernatural aspects of their religion and much of Scripture as the divine revelation of God. The Pharisees, though more conservative in their beliefs still sought power and the favor that went with their positions on the council. Paul capitalized on the division, not to win an argument but to testify of Christ and the hope he had in Jesus. The scribes spoke up, repeating the words of Gamaliel from the trial of Peter and John, and urged the council to caution. The resulting discussion became so tumultuous that the Roman guard had to rescue Paul.
 
     Paul knew that he would not receive any fairness nor justice in this mockery of a trial before the council. The Sanhedrin, especially the Sadducees who did not believe in the resurrection or anything supernatural and were simply political appointees of Rome, were repeating the same accusations and zealous defense of their traditions that they had with Jesus, with Stephen, with Peter and John, and with others who believed in “the Way” and were disciples of Christ. Because of the veil which was upon them, they could not see that their traditions were opposed to the Law which they were attempting to defend. But neither the Law nor their traditions could save them, for only faith in Jesus Christ built upon the Word of God through the grace of God could save and bring glory to God.
 
     The Scribes saw through some of the conflict and warned the council that they might be fighting against God, the same warning Gamaliel had uttered in the earlier trial. We often find ourselves, if we are not careful in accomplishing His will, to be fighting against God, even as we think we are zealous for Him. Many religious people, regardless of their religion, think they are doing the work of the Lord when in fact they are at war with Him and their zealous defense is simply part of the battle they are in with the Lord God. All of us must surrender to Him on His terms, to be born again and to do that which He calls us to do. We cannot do it our way lest we find ourselves fighting against God.
 
     God wants all to be saved and He calls His people to holiness and obedience to Him that we might minister to those around us who are hurting and in need as He provides. We serve others, equipped with the Word of reconciliation and righteousness, rightly divided and fitly spoken, that they may see Christ in us, the hope of Glory. Our GOD has commanded us to love one another with an unfeigned love, even as He first loved us, and to disciple one another in the Word of GOD so that we may all grow in grace and in the Knowledge of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Our Lord has commissioned those who are His with the Gospel of Jesus Christ, to go where He sends us in the power of the Holy Spirit. As we go, we are to proclaim the Good News of forgiveness through repentance and reconciliation with the Father through faith in His Son, that those who believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah of GOD might have life in His Name.
 
       GOD is not willing that any should perish, but that all would come to repentance and the knowledge of the Truth. Jesus loves you and wants to establish a covenant relationship with you that is real and personal. Surrender to Him on His terms and He will give you a brand new life of discipleship and fellowship with Him that is abundant and everlasting. GOD calls you to faith in Christ and His finished and perfect work on the Cross of Calvary to pay your sIn debt. He has provided the only way of reconciliation with GOD, forgiveness from GOD, and Salvation through Jesus Christ, the Son of GOD who is GOD the Son, to give you a new life in Christ. Turn away from yourself and your sIn and turn to Him alone for eternal Life, now and always.


In Christ,
Jefferson Sweet
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Thou shalt be His witness unto all men

10/19/2017

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     Paul testified before the council of how he met the Lord Jesus and his dramatic conversion and discipleship to the Gentiles. He had known all the way back in Damascus when Ananias revealed to him what God wanted him to do that he would be the Apostle to the Gentiles and a witness for the Lord Jesus Christ to the Jew first and also to the Gentiles. His witness to those who were not Jews had not caused him to break any of the Jewish laws, even if he did dismiss their traditions as cumbersome and unnecessary to salvation, for he understood them properly in the light of Jesus, the Messiah of God. Though he once zealously defended the Jewish religion, he now knew it properly and simply shared Christ with others, but without disparaging the Law or the Jews as he was accused of doing.
 
     Despite his arrest and facing the council, Paul remained steadfast in his witness for Christ. He knew where their accusations and misplaced zealousness for the temple and for their traditions led, for he was once like them. He also knew that their traditions were nothing, even making the Law of none effect as the Lord had said, and that the Law couldn’t save anyway. He also knew that he had to keep testifying for Jesus, to the Jews, to the Gentiles, to whoever would listen, for like the other Apostles, he had to speak what he had seen and heard of Jesus. He was determined to speak about the Law pointing to Christ, about the salvation of God through repentance and faith in Him and His finished and perfect work on the Cross of Calvary, and about the new life which Christ offers to all who will receive it.
 
     Those who have not yet received Christ are called to surrender to Him on His terms and be born again, not to make their life better, but to give them a whole new life in Christ of forgiveness and a relationship with God by faith through grace. God loves everyone and desires a love relationship with all who will come to Him that is real and personal. He calls His people to share Him everywhere and to everyone that all might be saved. He calls His people to testify of Him and what He has done for them that others might know of His power and mighty works and the salvation that He offers to everyone who repents and puts their trust in Him and Him alone.
 
     God wants all to be saved and He calls His people to holiness and obedience to Him that we might minister to those around us who are hurting and in need as He provides. We serve others, equipped with the Word of reconciliation and righteousness, rightly divided and fitly spoken, that they may see Christ in us, the hope of Glory. Our GOD has commanded us to love one another with an unfeigned love, even as He first loved us, and to disciple one another in the Word of GOD so that we may all grow in grace and in the Knowledge of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Our Lord has commissioned those who are His with the Gospel of Jesus Christ, to go where He sends us in the power of the Holy Spirit. As we go, we are to proclaim the Good News of forgiveness through repentance and reconciliation with the Father through faith in His Son, that those who believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah of GOD might have life in His Name.
 
       GOD is not willing that any should perish, but that all would come to repentance and the knowledge of the Truth. Jesus loves you and wants to establish a covenant relationship with you that is real and personal. Surrender to Him on His terms and He will give you a brand new life of discipleship and fellowship with Him that is abundant and everlasting. GOD calls you to faith in Christ and His finished and perfect work on the Cross of Calvary to pay your sIn debt. He has provided the only way of reconciliation with GOD, forgiveness from GOD, and Salvation through Jesus Christ, the Son of GOD who is GOD the Son, to give you a new life in Christ. Turn away from yourself and your sIn and turn to Him alone for eternal Life, now and always.


In Christ,
Jefferson Sweet
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They are all zealous of the Law

10/18/2017

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Them take, and purify thyself with them, and be at charges with them, that they may shave their heads: and all may know that those things, whereof they were informed concerning thee, are nothing; but that thou thyself also walkest orderly, and keepest the Law. As touching the Gentiles which believe, we have written and concluded that they observe no such thing, save only that they keep themselves from things offered to idols, and from blood, and from strangled, and from fornication. Then Paul took the men, and the next day purifying himself with them entered into the temple, to signify the accomplishment of the days of purification, until that an offering should be offered for every one of them. (Acts 21:24-26)
     When Paul met with James and the elders at Jerusalem they reported how many of the Jews who believed in “the Way” were misunderstanding what Paul had preaching to the Jews and Gentiles during his missionary journeys. In order to please the Jews and quiet the controversy the elders encouraged Paul to join himself with four men who had a Nazarite vow and support their offering. Though they knew that Paul had taught nothing contrary to the Scripture and had been a participant and leader during the previous council which had decided what to teach the Gentiles and what they should do as Christians, they wanted him to seem to endorse Jewish traditions and customs as an appeasement to the Jewish Christians. It would soon backfire as a few zealous Jews who opposed Paul would instigate a riot when they saw Paul in the temple and accuse him of defiling it with Gentiles.
 
     With the best of intentions and possibly even the guidance of God who foreknew the result and events to come, the Jerusalem leaders attempted to appease the Jewish believers instead of instructing them and correcting them in what Paul had done and said throughout the provinces on his journeys. The teaching moment they had, to instruct that the Law, though not done away with but fulfilled, was nothing and could not save anyone, was missed and instead an effort to make Paul look and act more Jewish was made. This action led to non-Christian Jews, seeing Paul in the temple for the offering, to assume he was there with his Gentile friends and co-laborers in the Jewish portion of the Temple. This assumption, and zealous riot for the sanctity of their temple which followed their accusation, not only brought the whole temple into an uproar but the city as well. The riot instigated charges against Paul by both Jewish and Roman authorities which would lead Paul to Rome. God was at work even in the misguided efforts of the elders in Jerusalem.
 
     There are times that despite all our good intentions, the results we desire are not the results we receive. Often God intervenes because of His plans and purposes, that though not contrary to ours in every case, have a different path to the same outcome, or a different outcome than we might have sought. Everything God does or allows is for our growth and His glory, once we are His child by faith in Him and His finished and perfect work on the Cross of Calvary. For those who don’t know Him He works things to bring you to Himself and reconcile you to Him through His Son. He desires that all men repent and once born again that we grow to be more like Him. Paul, though he experienced trials and tribulations in his journey from Jerusalem to Rome, knew that even with false accusations against him, God was still in control. He could, and did, trust that even when those who opposed him spoke out against God that he would end up where God wanted him to be. We too can trust Him to guide our steps and know what is best, not just in the big decisions but also in the seemingly small choices we make.
 
     God wants us to trust His plan and He calls His people to holiness and obedience to Him that we might minister to those around us who are hurting and in need as He provides. We serve others, equipped with the Word of reconciliation and righteousness, rightly divided and fitly spoken, that they may see Christ in us, the hope of Glory. Our GOD has commanded us to love one another with an unfeigned love, even as He first loved us, and to disciple one another in the Word of GOD so that we may all grow in grace and in the Knowledge of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Our Lord has commissioned those who are His with the Gospel of Jesus Christ, to go where He sends us in the power of the Holy Spirit. As we go, we are to proclaim the Good News of forgiveness through repentance and reconciliation with the Father through faith in His Son, that those who believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah of GOD might have life in His Name.
 
       GOD is not willing that any should perish, but that all would come to repentance and the knowledge of the Truth. Jesus loves you and wants to establish a covenant relationship with you that is real and personal. Surrender to Him on His terms and He will give you a brand new life of discipleship and fellowship with Him that is abundant and everlasting. GOD calls you to faith in Christ and His finished and perfect work on the Cross of Calvary to pay your sIn debt. He has provided the only way of reconciliation with GOD, forgiveness from GOD, and Salvation through Jesus Christ, the Son of GOD who is GOD the Son, to give you a new life in Christ. Turn away from yourself and your sIn and turn to Him alone for eternal Life, now and always.


In Christ,
Jefferson Sweet

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